The Secret Blueprint: How a Porsche 959 Revolutionized Nissan's GT-R
In the high-octane universe of automotive innovation, a tale of espionage, rivalry, and groundbreaking technology unfoldsāfeaturing none other than the legendary Porsche 959 and the iconic Nissan GT-R. This story not only charts the path of these two automotive giants but reveals how a covert operation involving a Porsche 959 directly influenced the creation of Nissan's GT-R, a car that would go on to dominate racetracks around the globe.
From Stuttgart to Yokohama: The Unseen Battle for Supremacy
In the mid-80s, Porsche's 959 was the epitome of automotive excellence. With its formidable all-wheel drive system, it clinched victories at the grueling Paris-Dakar rally and marked its presence at Le Mans in 1986. The cancellation of the Group B category might have stalled its racing aspirations, but Porsche was committed to producing about 300 units of this marvel.
Halfway across the world, Nissan was keenly observing. Eager to develop an all-wheel drive system of their own, they saw the 959's drivetrain as the Rosetta Stone. Despite their initial approach being rebuffed by Porsche, Nissan's resolve didn't waver. In a move reminiscent of a Ninja's stealth, they acquired a 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort through an intermediary. This vehicle, destined for sacrifice, was disassembled to unravel the secrets of its advanced drivetrain.
The Birth of a Legend: Nissan's Master Stroke
By 1987, Nissan's engineers had decoded the 959's mysteries and developed the Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All terrains and Electronic Torque Split (ATTESA-ET-S). This groundbreaking technology was then employed in the R32 GT-R. Dominating every race of the All-Japan Touring Car Championship from 1990 to 1993, the GT-R was not just a car; it was a legend reborn, with the spirit of the 959 coursing through its veins.
The Porsche Transformed: A 959 Like No Other
With its mission accomplished, the used 959 was reassembled and sold to a Nissan engineer who chose not to register it. Its journey, however, was far from over. Landing in the USA in 2019, this unique 959 underwent a transformation under the expert hands of Bruce Canepa. Dubbed the "959 SC Reimagined", it received an overhaul that pushed its 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine from 444 hp to an astounding 800+ hp. Today, it boasts a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 2.5 seconds and tops out at over 230 mph.
Despite its technological and historical significance, the car retains its original Oak Green paint and gunmetal gray for the 18-inch wheels. The interior, however, received a luxurious makeover with tobacco brown leather and square-weave carpets inspired by the Porsche 356.
A Legacy for Sale: The Price of History
This remarkable piece of automotive history, with a backstory as compelling as its performance, is now poised to find a new home. Estimated to fetch up to $3.75 million at Broad Arrow's Amelia Auction, it stands as a testament to the lengths enthusiasts and engineers will go to in pursuit of perfection.
The tale of the Porsche 959 and the Nissan GT-R is more than just a story of rivalry and innovation. It's a celebration of a passionate pursuit of excellence, a reminder of how a single car can inspire an engineering revolution, and a beacon for those who dare to dream. In the world of elite automobiles, it's not just about speed or luxury; it's about the stories that cars like these carry, stories that continue to fascinate and inspire generations of car lovers around the world.